Pat Jones, Principal, St Mary's Catholic College Pat is the Principal of St Mary's Catholic College at Woree. Hailing from Brisbane, Pat spent some of her earlier years in Sydney where she meet her husband while working for the RAAF as an Air Defence Plotter. Eventually moving to Tropical North Queensland, Pat was offered a position at St Mary's, where she has remained for the last 6 years.

1. Where were you born?
I was born in Brisbane and spent all of my childhood there. I left when I was 19.

2. What was your first ever job?
I worked for Wallace Bishop in Fortitude Valley during the Christmas school holidays joining the links on 'Bluebird' bracelets - it was so good to get back to school.

3. What were you doing when you were 20?
I was married when at this age. Both my husband and I were in the RAAF as Air Defence Plotters and were stationed in Brookvale, Sydney. Life was great!

4. How long have you been in your current position?
I've been at St Mary's for nearly 6 years, but this is my first year as Principal.

5. What are your 3 tips for success?
1) Focus solely on what you are doing (don't try to multi-task); 2) seek advice from many before making your own decisions; 3) remember that whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're probably right.

6. What do you like most about your industry?
It contains many caring people who can have positive influence in the lives of young people; also, I love the challenge and spirit of adolescents who keep me grounded and forever hopeful.

7. What is your greatest achievement?
Looking back, completing a Bachelor of Arts while raising 4 children and having a part-time job was pretty amazing. I don't know how I did this now, but I know my life was very 'full' for what seemed like a long time, but still very enjoyable.

8. What motivates you most to go to work each day?
I love what I do. When I stop loving it, I'll stop doing it.

9. What 1 thing would you take with you on a deserted island?
My iphone of course! I'm lost without it! It both informs me and entertains me. (I'm an 'Angry Birds' addict, but I'm on the wagon now).

10. If you had an opportunity to change careers for a month – what would you do?
I'd be a speech writer for someone famous who I believed in. I like to write and love the power of words.

11. What is the best thing about doing business in Cairns?
In my experience, I find Cairns people fairly easy-going and friendly. They don't seem to get hung up on the little things or take themselves too seriously.

12. Have you ever had a great idea or innovation that you wish had the time to pursue?
I'm often coming up with ideas which I think are great, however, not everyone shares my opinions. I'd like to stage the Great St Mary's Billy Cart Race and I will pursue this when I have the time. Anyone else interested?

13. Favourite TV commercial?
I don't know what the commercial is for, but I like the one where the office worker crashes meetings just for the free lunch. Sometimes I think the food is the best part of meetings.

14. Who do you aspire to in business or in life?
I don't think there is any one person who I aspire to be like, but there are lots of people who I admire who have the courage of their convictions and live life to the full.

15. First thing you would save in a fire?
Me, then the cats (Annie and Mouse who I have a love/hate relationship with), then old photos of my children.

16. If you could re-live one moment in your life – what would it be?
One Christmas at my parents place in Brisbane when my children were small and the entire extended family were all together and happy. I'd love to replicate that feeling of "all is right with the world" one day for my family.

17. Who would be on your ultimate dinner-party table of 8?
Joanne (my daughter); Mary (my sister); Father John Flynn (if he was still alive); Robert Frost, Michael Voss, Barry Humphries, Dawn French and me. (I apologise already for leaving the rest of you out! 8 is not enough!)

18. Describe the best holiday you ever went on?
The last one when I toured through Europe spending Christmas in Barcelona and New Year's Eve in Paris. Can't wait to go again - so much to see, so little time/money.

19. What was the latest gadget/toy you bought?
Gadgets and I simply don't go together. Sooner or later they don't work (I do not break them on purpose). I bought a Raggedy Ann doll for my granddaughter!

20. What do you want to be doing when you are 80?
Loving my life, having no regrets and telling my great grandchildren stories about the 'good' old days.